Multi-functional exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

This invention is about a multi-functional exercise apparatus, whose main structure is comprised of one internal bar, two pulling components, two rollers and two handlebars. Pairs of spring buttons are positioned at the center and two ends of the internal bar, which helps to connect the internal bar with pulling components and handlebars with simplicity. While two rollers are attached to the internal bar, they are sandwiched by the pulling components and the handlebar. In addition, the extension of the bar sleeve of the pulling component includes an elastic rope that has foot strap at the other end and is used to secure feet to the apparatus. It is important to point out that the rollers can be removed at will, and the positions of the handlebar and the pulling components can be exchanged with each other to some extent for maximum benefit. Besides, the internal bar can be attached with a clamp for securing onto the door panel. Because the above parts of the exercise apparatus can be assembled freely, depending on different muscle exercises needed, user can select various positions, such as standing, kneeling, lying, and so on, and use different exercise techniques, such as stretching, stepping, pressing, curling and leg lifting, to exercise his/her arms and legs. Users can also obtain maximum results and achieve effective physical workouts under the principle of safe, versatile and simplicity of use features.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to exercise apparatus, specifically tosuch apparatus that provides easy assembling and changeablecharacteristics. The user can select various positions, such asstanding, kneeling and lying, and utilize different exercise techniques,such as stretching, stepping, pressing and curling, to meet his/hervarious muscle exercise needs. Besides, the secure strap design, and thecharacteristics of easy and safe operation make it an innovative andpractical invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] With the development of industry and commerce, economy becomesmore and more thriving and prosperous; as a result, people today haveless time for various outdoor sports. Consequently, the healthconditions of many middle-aged persons and even young people are in thebad condition. The situation needs our special attention because healthis the wealth of a person, and citizens' health is also an importantindex to a country. Therefore, in recent years, to compensate for theshortage of sports facilities, countless exercise apparatus are inventedand developed, and the number of fitness centers providing relatedapparatus and complete exercise consultation services has increaseddramatically.

[0003] There are many kinds of exercise apparatus on the market; oneoften used in fitness centers is the roller exercise apparatus shown asFIG. 12. It has a roller 71, and two side handlebars 72. There is anelastic rope 73 at the end of each handlebar 72; the elastic rope 73 isfixed at the back end of the knee pedestal 74. When operating, the userkneels with both knees actually in contact with the knee pedestal 74,and the user can hold onto both handlebars 72. When pushing the rollers71 forward, user can naturally stretch out his/her body. Since the backend of the elastic rope is fixed at the knee pedestal 74, the user mustovercome the resistance force of the elongated elastic rope 73 duringexercising. So, through the repeated exercise, the user can exercisevarious muscles. However, the exercise apparatus 70 still has thefollowing shortcomings:

[0004] 1. Because one end of the elastic rope is fixed on the pedestal,user must keep his/her knees pressed down against pedestal during theentire operation; otherwise, it is easy to make the pedestal shoot offas a result of the resistance force from the elongated elastic rope. Thefact that user has to pay special attention that his/her knees do notleave the ground can significantly deteriorate one's exercising mood. Tothose with better health conditions and those who want to stretchforward with their knees above the ground, the effectiveness ofexercising the abdomen and leg muscle, in this case, will be relativelylimited. Moreover, if knees leave the ground during stretching progress,not only will knees get hurt when they fall back to the ground, handscan also get hurt due to the rapid resilient impact of the pedestal.Obviously, apparatus 70 possesses some latent risks.

[0005] 2. Since the exercise apparatus 70 is a single constitutiondesign, the assembly of the structure cannot be changed or fixed in anyother way. Therefore, it is confined to only one way of exercising. Tothe user, it is easy to get bored. Also, because only certain part ofbody muscle will be exercised, the effectiveness of this exerciseapparatus is hence limited.

[0006] Thus, according to the shortcomings of the current roller-typeexercise apparatus, there is opportunity for great improvement.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0007] Due to the above-mentioned cause, this multi-functional exerciseapparatus was invented based on the extensive study on differentexercise apparatus and on comprehensive ideas researched. Providingsimple assembling and changeable structure, the user can select variouspositions, such as standing, kneeling, lying and so on, and usedifferent exercise techniques, such as stretching, stepping, pressingand curling according to the needs of different muscles and bodyweaknesses. Besides, the secure foot strap design and easy safeoperation make it highly effective and practical in exercising.

[0008] The main purpose of the invention is to provide amulti-functional exercise apparatus, which is comprised of an internalbars, rollers, handlebars, pulling components and a clamp, that issimple to assemble and provide versatile exercise selections. Thus,versatility and simplicity of the exercise apparatus can significantlyimprove the results of physical fitness, and enhance relaxation andpleasure.

[0009] The second purpose of the invention is to provide amulti-functional exercise apparatus, which has foot straps at the end ofits pulling components. With the removable hook and loop strip in thedesign of the foot strap, the feet can be securely strapped to theapparatus, which results in an increased operating safety and moreeffective physical workouts. Accordingly, this is an easy, safe andversatile exercise apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A number of advantages of the multi-function exercise apparatusbecome evident:

[0011] 1. Multiple ways of exercising: since the exercise apparatusapplies simple assembling and easy alternating combination by internalbar, rollers, handlebars, pulling components and clamp, etc, the usercan selectively assemble it and choose from many exercise techniquesaccording to his/her muscle exercise needs.

[0012] 2. Easy and safe operation: since the invention utilizes hook andloop foot straps to secure feet with the apparatus, exercising simplybecomes easier and safer.

[0013] 3. Improved enjoyment and effectiveness: since the exerciseapparatus has many simple assembling features that can be utilized inmany different ways, it can bring users refreshing feeling and increasesthe effectiveness of the physical workouts.

[0014] 4. Compact and easy to transport: since the exercise apparatus isconsisted of components that can be easily disassembled, the size of theapparatus can be significantly decreased during transportation.

[0015] In conclusion, the invention “multi-functional exerciseapparatus” can be simply assembled and easily changed to accommodatevarious muscle groups and ability levels. User can select manypositions, such as standing, kneeling, lying, etc., and do moreexercises, like arm or leg lifting, stretching, stepping, kicking,pressing and curling, to optimize muscle exercises. Besides, the securestrap design, simplicity of use, easier and safer operation featuresmake it a highly practical and cost-effective exercise apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0016]FIG. 1 is showing the appearance of the exercise apparatus.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a partial 3D figure of the exercise apparatus.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a partial 3D disassembled figure of the exerciseapparatus.

[0019]FIG. 4 is showing the application of the exercise apparatus.

[0020]FIG. 5 is another assembling and application illustration of theexercise apparatus.

[0021]FIG. 6 is another assembling and application illustration of theexercise apparatus.

[0022]FIG. 7 is another partial 3D assembled figure of the exerciseapparatus.

[0023]FIG. 8 is another partial 3D assembled figure of the exerciseapparatus.

[0024]FIG. 9˜FIG. 11 are other three applications of the exerciseapparatus.

[0025]FIG. 12 is a 3D assembled figure of the traditional exerciseapparatus. REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS A Exercise apparatus 11 Springbuttons 10 Internal bars 22 Bar sleeve 20 Pulling components 23 Footstrap 21 Elastic rope 41 Clipping hole 221 Clipping hole 511 U-shapedbracket 231 Hook and loop strip 53 Bar sleeve 30 Roller 72 Handlebar 40Handlebars 74 Knee pedestal 50 Clamp 51 Pedestal 52 Screw 531 Clippinghole 60 Door panel 70 Exercise apparatus 71 Rollers 73 Elastic rope 75Clamp

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026]FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the invention, the multi-functionalexercise apparatus (apparatus A). Apparatus A is mainly comprised of oneinternal bar 10, two pulling components 20, two rollers 30 and twohandlebars 40 (FIG. 2 & FIG. 3).

[0027] Pairs of spring buttons 11 are positioned at the center and attwo ends of the internal bars 10 respectively. The containment of thespring in each spring button 11 makes attachments of components asnap-on, which provides an easy way to assemble and disassemble theapparatus.

[0028] The pulling components 20, which can be connected to the left andright ends of the internal bar 10, are comprised of bar sleeves 22 withclipping holes 221 that corresponds to the spring buttons 11 on theinternal bar 10 and elastic ropes 21 with foot straps 23. The pullingcomponents 20 can be connected to the internal bar 10 by snap-on thespring buttons 11 onto the clipping holes 221 on the bar sleeves of thepulling components. The elastic rope 21 is used to provide stretchresistance force.

[0029] The rollers 30 are positioned toward the center section of theinternal bar 10. Roller's center rim can be attached to the bar sleevess22 of the two pulling components 20 to allow roller rotation on theground.

[0030] Handlebars 40 can be positioned at left and right ends of theinternal bars 10 by snapping-on the spring buttons 11 that are locatedat left and right ends of the internal bar 10 onto the clipping holes 41on the handlebars 40.

[0031] Using the above apparatus combination, user's feet can besecurely strapped with the foot strap 23, and the hands can hold ontotwo handlebars 40. By employing the kneeling position, the user canexercise muscles of arm, abdomen, wrist, etc, by repeatedly forwardingand backwarding the body and extending and retrieving two arms, andachieve easy, safe and effective results.

[0032]FIG. 4 is an implementation example of the exercise apparatus. Theexercise apparatus A can also be used with kneeling posture. First, feetshould be secured with foot straps 23. The foot straps 23 can securelystrap user's feet by utilizing hook and loop 231 mechanisms. Next, holdonto the handlebars 40 and slightly open the legs to ensure the balanceof the body. Then push the apparatus A forward with two arms; therotation of the roller will provide a smooth ground movement of theapparatus A. While different muscles must try to keep the balance of thebody and overcome the resistance force of the elongated elastic rope,these muscles are effectively exercised. Since the foot straps 23 of thepulling components 20 can securely strap the feet, the user can chooseto use kneeling posture or even choose to lift his/her knees off theground for a more rigorous abdomen muscles exercise. Thus, when comparedwith the old design, apparatus A provides an extra flexibility, morecomprehensive and safer exercising operation.

[0033]FIG. 5 is another implementation example. Since, the apparatus Acan be put together in a number of ways, user can take off two rollers30 and make it an ordinary weight lifting device. Besides kneelingposture, user can also exercise with apparatus A in standing posture.First, user will secure both foot with two foot straps 23. Next, holdonto two handlebars 40 then lift it up and down. This will exercisedifferent muscles in arms, chest, abdomen, etc. In addition, the usercan experience different arm lifting exercise by positioning the twohandlebars 40 at the center of internal bar 10 and positioning the twopulling components 20 at two endings of the internal bar 10.

[0034]FIG. 7 is partial 3D figure of apparatus A in an alternatecombination. The exercise apparatus A can also be attached with a clamp50, which has a U-shaped bracket 511, a screw 52 on one side and twoclipping holes 531 on the other side. Clamp 50 can be attached to theinternal bars 10 by snapping-on the spring buttons 11 that are locatedat center of the internal bar 10 onto the clipping holes 531 on theclamp bar sleeve 53. Numerous ways of exercising can be achieved (FIG. 8to FIG. 11).

[0035] Among those, the clamp 50 can be positioned on the top of thedoor panel 60 by sliding U-shaped bracket 511 onto the top of the doorpanel 60. Tighten screw 52 to securely position the apparatus A on thetop of the door panel 60. Next, user will strap his/her feet with footstraps 23 that are attached with the pulling components 20. User canexercise muscles on wrists, waist, legs, hips, etc., by utilizingexercise techniques such as stepping and leg lifting.

[0036] In addition, the clamp 50 can also be positioned on the bottom ofthe door panel 60, and the user can select the standing position. Aftersecuring feet to the foot straps 23, the user can perform curling andbackward leg lifting. This will exercise the muscles on arms, legs,wrists, and hips, etc. Not only limited to that, the user also canselect the lying position. After securing feet to the foot straps 23,user can perform stepping and kicking exercises in the air to achievethe same best exercise effects.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-functional exercise apparatus thatincludes: one internal bar where numerous pairs of spring buttons arefixed for the ease of attachment with other components; two pullingcomponents that includes bar sleeves used to connect the pullingcomponent to the above-mentioned internal bar, elastic ropes thatprovide resistance forces, and foot straps that secure user's feet tothe apparatus; one or more rollers that can be attached to theabove-mentioned internal bar and its center rim edge can be attached tothe bar sleeves end of the pulling components to provide rotation on theground; two handlebars are connected to the left and right sides ofabove-mentioned internal bar, and can be attached to the center rim edgeof the roller, providing user a place to hold on.
 2. Themulti-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein pairs of springbuttons in the internal bar can be positioned at the center and at theends; the containment of springs in each spring buttons helps componentswith clipping holes to be connected to the internal bar a snap-onaction.
 3. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1, whereinit can be furnished with two rollers positioned at two sides of theinternal bar, and clipping holes on the rollers' center rim make theirattachment to the internal bar a snap-on action.
 4. The multi-functionalexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar sleeve in pullingcomponents can be furnished with two clipping holes, and these clippingholes on the pulling components make it easy to be connected to theinternal bar.
 5. The multi-functional exercise apparatus of claim 1,wherein the foot straps contains hook and loop strips to provide usersconveniences for putting on and taking off.
 6. The multi-functionalexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar body of handlebars canhave clipping holes that corresponds to the spring buttons on theinternal bar; the handlebars can be connected to the internal bar simplyby snap on the spring buttons on the internal bar onto the clippingholes on the handlebars.
 7. The multi-functional exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the roller can be taken off and make the exerciseapparatus a weight lifting exercise apparatus; user should first fastenfoot strap onto his/her feet, grasp the handlebars, stand up and performpressing and curling exercises.
 8. The multi-functional exerciseapparatus of claim 7, wherein the handlebars can also be positioned inthe middle of internal bar, while the pulling components can bepositioned at two sides of the internal bar, to provide a different wayto weight lifting exercise.
 9. A multi-functional exercise apparatusconsists of: one internal bar where numerous pairs of spring buttons arefixed for the ease of attachment with other components; two pullingcomponents that includes bar sleeves used to connect the pullingcomponent to the above-mentioned internal bar, elastic ropes thatprovide resistance forces, and foot straps that secure user's feet tothe apparatus; one clamp that contain a U-shaped bracket, a screw, a barsleeve; this assembled structure requires user to place the U-shapedbracket over the top or the bottom of the door panel and securing it bytightening the screw, select an exercise position such as standing orlying, secure feet to the foot straps and apply exercise techniques suchas kicking, stepping, to exercise different muscles groups in legs,wrists, hips, abdomen, etc.
 10. The multi-functional exercise apparatusof claim 9, wherein the bar sleeve of the clamp can be furnished withpairs of clipping holes that correspond to the spring buttons on theinternal bar, and these clipping holes on the bar sleeve make it easyfor the clamp to be attached to the internal bar.